Photographic apparatus



Nov. 8, 1966 N. GOLD ETAL PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJune 5, 1964 ATTORNEYS m S 0 w a 2 m 6, MM m W .n P NOE MMfA 2 N 3 m 6mm m: a J Wm w; 1 mm; N N w N. GOLD ETAL PHOTOGRAPHIG APPARATUS Nov. 8,1966 Filed June 5, 1964 Nov. 8, 1966 N. GOLD ETAL PHOTOGRAPBIC APPARATUS8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 3, 1964 INVENTORS d ATILORNEYS o O NNVENTOR5 M Ma.

ATTORNEYS Nov. 8, 1966 N- GOLD ETAL PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 5, 1964 Nov. 8, 1966 Filed June 5, 1964 N.GOLD ETAL 3,283,688

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 AC. POWER SUPPLY FIGS - INVEN0R5 Mia. BY MM, Q

MM W

ATTORNEYS Nov. 8, 1966 N- GOLD ETAL 3,283,588

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed June 5, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet cfi M ATTORNEYSNov. 8, 1966 N. GOLD ETAL 3,283,688

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed June 5, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS MMMUnited States Patent ()fifice 3,283,688 Patented Nov. 8, 1966 3,283,688PHOTOGRAIHIC APPARATUS Nicholas Gold, Arlington, Mass, and Arthur J.Sable, Saratoga, Calif., assignors to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge,Mass, a corporation of Delaware Filed June 3, 1964, Ser. No. 372,149 10Claims. (Cl. 95-75) This invention relates to photographic apparatus andparticularly to apparatus for exposing successive areas of aphotosensitive image-recording sheet and processing said areas bysuperposing them with areas of a second sheet and distributing aprocessing liquid between and in contact with the superposed sheets.

The present invention may be embodied in photographic apparatus of aknown type such as a camera or document copier including means forphotoexposing successive areas of an image-recording sheet, advancingeach exposed area into superposition with a second sheet anddistributing a processing liquid between the sheets to form a sandwich.The sheets are superposed and the processing liquid is distributedtherebetween by moving the sheets into and through a convergent passagebetween a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members to distribute theliquid from a mass located between convergent portions of the sheetswithin the passage in contact with the sheets as the sheets moverelative to the mass of liquid and the pressure-applying members.Movement of the sheets is arrested at the end of each exposure andprocessing cycle during which an area of the image-recording sheet isexposed and then processed in conjunction with an area of the secondsheet. Apparatus of this type generally includes means for collectingand retaining prcess ing liquid remaining between the sheets within thepassage after the liquid has been distributed in contact with the areasto be treated so that the liquid is not distributed in contact with thenext succeeding pair of areas. This can be accomplished by spacing thepressure-applying members apart from one another momentarily during theterminal portion of the processing cycle as sections of the sheetsintermediate the areas being processed are moving between thepressure-applying members.

An object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of the characterdescribed novel and improved means for controlling the movement of thesheets through the apparatus and then spacing the pressure-applyingmembers apart to collect and retain processing liquid betweenpredetermined portions of the sheets.

Other objects of the invention are: to provide photographic apparatus asdescribed for use with sheet ma terial having reference openings thereinand including drive means for advancing the sheets through the apparatusbetween the pressure-applying members and spacing the pressure-applyingmembers apart and means for sensing the reference openings to controlthe operation of the drive :means; and to provide sensing means mountedon one of the pressure-applying members for con-trolling the movement ofthe sheet between the pressure-applying members and movement of the onepressure-applying member toward and away from the otherpressure-applying member.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of document-copying apparatus embodyingthe invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the apparatus,

the section being taken substantially midway between the sides;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective View of the apparatus shown withparts broken away;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view or the expendable assemblage;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of thenonexpendable assemblage;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view to FIG. 5 showing anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views of components of the apparatusillustrating the operation thereof;

FIG. 11 is an electrical diagram showing the control and operatingsystem of the apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of components of the apparatus; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing othercomponents of the apparatus.

The present invention is shown embodied in photographic document-copyingapparatus comprising a permanent or nonexpendable photographicassemblage shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, and an expendable photographicassemblage, designated 12, shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. The permanentassemblage includes a housing and the more expensive components of theapparatus while the expendable assemblage comprises the photographicmaterials expended in making documents and some of the less expensivecomponents of the apparatus and is designed to be introduced into andassembled with the permanent assemblage to form a complete, operabledocument-copying apparatus.

The permanent assemblage comprises a housing including an upper section14 and a lower section 16 pivoted with respect to one another betweenthe closed or operative position shown in FIG. 2 and the open positionshown in FIG. 3 to permit loading of the expendable assemblage into thehousing. The lower housing section includes a lower wall 18 withupstanding side walls 20 and 22 and an end wall 23, the opposite ends ofthe side walls being joined by a transverse member 24 coperating withthe side and lower walls to form an opening through which originals maybe introduced into and withdrawn from the apparatus. The upper ection ofthe housing includes an upper wall 26, relatively short dependent sidewalls 28 and a short dependent end wall 30 pivotally secured to end wall23. Upper housing section 14 includes an enlarged end portion extendingabove upper wall 26 and including an upper wall 32, side walls 34 andend walls 36 and 38 cooperating to provide a chamber extending above thelower housing section. Upper wall 26 is provided with a rectangularopening 40 through which copies of documents may be withdrawn from theapparatus and a door 42 is pivotally mounted on upper wall 26 forclosing opening 40 and providing access through the opening to theinterior of the housing. A latching device 44 is provided for retainingdoor 42 in a closed position while another latching device (not shown)is provided for retaining upper housing section 14 in the closedposition shown in FIG. 2.

The expendable assemblage comp-rises a support or chassis including apair of side members 46 and 48 joined to one another by a transversemember 50 in the form of a generally flat plate. Transverse member 50and side members 46 and 48 may be formed of a single sheet of materialsuch as metal and one end section 52 of transverse member 50 is curveddownwardly and back upon itself to form a guide for sheet materials in amanner to be described. Expendable assemblage 12 is designed to fitwithin the housing of assemblage with side members 46 and 48 disposedadjacent side walls 20 and 22, end section 52 located adjacent wall 23,and transverse member 50 disposed adjacent upper wall 26 underlyingopening 40. Transverse member 50 cooperates with the housing of thepermanent assemblage to divide the housing into an upper or processingchamber between transverse member 50 and upper wall 26 and door 42 and alower chamber underlying transverse member 50 between the latter andlower wall 18. Side members 46 and 48 include extensions 56 extendingabove and beyond the end edge of transverse member 50 furthest from endsection 52 and located within the portion of upper housing-section 14comprising upper wall 32, side walls 34, and end walls 36 and 38.

The expendable assemblage includes supplies of a photosensitiveimage-recording sheet 58, a second or image-receiving sheet 60, andmeans for holding the supplies of the sheets. The image-recording sheetis coiled on a conventional spool 62 pivotally mounted at its ends onside members 46 and 48 underlying the end portion of transverse member50 furthest from end section 52 thereof. Image-receiving sheet 60 issupplied on a spool 64 pivotally mounted at its ends between extensions56 of side members 46 and 48.

The expendable assemblage also includes a source of illumination forexposing the image-recording sheet, guide members for guiding theimage-recording sheet past the source of illumination during exposure,one of a pair of pressure-applying members for superposing the sheetsand distributing a processing liquid therebetween and a take-up memberfor coiling the two sheets following processing thereof to advance thesheets through the apparatus. The light source comprises an elongatedelecro-lumiuescent panel 66 having a generally cylindrical (partial)cross-section and mounted at its ends on side members 46 and 48 near theends thereof furthest from end section 52 of transverse member 50.Electroluminescent panel 66 is of a conventional type and iselectrically coupled to a source of power through contacts in the formof buttons 68 mounted on side members 46 and 48 in position to beengaged by spring contacts 70 mounted on side walls 20 of lower housingsection 16. Panel 66 is mounted on side members 46 and 48 with theconcave (cylindrical) side of the panel facing away from spool 62 ofimage-recording sheet 58.

Means are provided for guiding sheet 58 from spool 62 past panel 66 andin the form shown comprise a pair of guide rolls 72 and 74 pivotallymounted, respectively, above and below panel 66 on side members 46 and48. The exposed image-recording sheet is superposed with the secondsheet and a processing liquid is distributed between the sheets byadvancing the sheets into superposition between a pair ofpressure-applying members. One of these members in the form of apressure roll 76 is mounted for rotation at its ends on side members 46and 48 between guide rolls 72 and the end of transverse member 50furthest from end section 52 thereof. Imagerecording sheet 58 extendsfrom spool 62 around guide rolls 74 past panel 66 to guide roll 72 andthence into superposition with second sheet 60 in the vicinity ofpressure roll 76 with a section of sheet 58 being supported betweenrolls 72 and 74 in juxtaposition with the concave side panel 66.. Theexpendable assemblage includes a take-up member for advancing thephotosensitive and image-receiving sheets through the apparatuscomprising a spool 78 mounted for rotation at its ends on side members46 and 48 adjacent end section 52. The expendable assemblage is suppliedwith the image-recording and second sheets, or at least leaders attachedthereto, coupled to one another near pressure roll 76- and to a leader80 which extends across transverse member 50 around end section 52 tospool 78 to which leader 80 is attached. A guide roll 82 is providedsupported on extensions 56 of side members 46 and 48 between spool 64and pressure roll 76 for guiding image-receiving sheet 60 from spool 64to pressure roll 76. The leading end portion of image-recording sheet 58including at least the outermost convolution thereof on spool 62preferably comprises a light-impermeable material for preventingexposure of the remainder of the image-recording sheet by ambient lightprior to loading of the expendable assemblage into the nonexpendableassemblage.

Means are provided for preventing exposure of the image-recording sheetcoiled on spool 62 by light from electroluminescent panel 66 and/or bylight admitted to the housing through opening 40, comprising a pair ofpanels 81 and 83 dependent from transverse member 50 located on oppositesides of spool 62 and secured at their ends to side members 46 and 48.Panel 83 extends downwardly to lower wall 18 and functions to separatethe section of the housing underlying transverse member 50 into twochambers, one containing spool 62 and the other containing take-up spool78. Panel 81 extends from transverse member 50 downwardly at an angle toa point closely adjacent guide roll 74 and effectively cooperates toseparate the end portion of the housing from the chamber containingspool 62.

Image-recording sheet 58 comprises a photosensitive material such as agelatino silver halide emulsion carried on a support sheet such as paperand has a width at least equal to the widest original which theapparatus is designed to copy, e.g., 8 /2 inches. The second orimage-receiving sheet 60 is the same width and comprises a support suchas paper for a positive transfer image formed, for example, by silverhalide diffusion-transfer reversal. The process performed by theapparatus is a substantially dry process in that the liquid is confinedby the sheets and does not contact any of the components of theapparatus. The processing liquid is preferably quite viscous and it isdistributed between and in contact with a superposed area of theimage-recording sheet and a corresponding area of the second sheetsuperposed therewith by advancement of the two sheets in superpositionbetween a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members. The processingliquid for each exposed area of the photosensitive sheet is initiallysupplied in a tubular straw-shaped container of the type shown anddescribed in US. Patent No. 3,047,387, issued July 31, 1962 in the nameof Edwin H. Land, and is dispensed from the container onto theimage-recording sheet as an elongated mass extending across the sheetadjacent the leading edges of the exposed area. The image-recordingsheet including the mass of liquid is then advanced into superpositionwith the second sheet between the pressureapplying members fordistributing the processing liquid from the mass between the sheets incontact with the sheets toward the trailing edges of the exposed arealaminating the sheets together to form a sandwich.

One of the pressure-applying members, i.e., roll 76, comprises acomponent of the expendable assemblage and the other pressure-applyingmember comprises a component of the nonexpendable assemblage. This otherpressure-applying member comprises a support member 84 including anelongated base 86 having dependent lips 88 cooperating to define achannel in which is engaged a pressure plate 90. Pressure plate 90 is atleast equal in length to pressure roll 76 and the width of the sheetsand is formed of a relatively flexible material such as sheet metalcoated on one side with a material, such as an organic plastic, having arelatively low coefficient of friction. Lips 88 turn inwardly toward oneanother to retain pressure plate 90 Within the channel between the lipswhile the pressure plate is biased outwardly away from base 86 by aplurality of springs 92 engaged in recesses 93 in base 86. Supportmember 84 is mounted within the upper section of the housing adjacentend wall 38 with pressure plate 90 in juxtaposition with pressure roll76, and springs 92 function to urge pressure plate 90 toward pressureroll 76 to apply compressive pressure to portions of the sheets engagedbetween the roll and plate. A multiplicity of uniformly spaced andsubstantially identical springs 92 are provided for exerting asubstantially uniformly distributed biasing force to the pressure platethroughout its length. The pressure plate is substantially more flexibleand less rigid than pressure roll 76 so that the pressure plate canconform to roll 76 despite a distortion thereof during fluiddistributing operations, while applying a uniformly distributed force tothe sheet tending to uniformly distribute the processing liquidtherebetween. Pressure roll 76 is preferably cylindrical and plate 99*in its undeformed condition is substantially flat so that the plate androll cooperate to define a convergent passage into and through which thesheets are advanced for distributing the processing liquid therebetween.

The processing liquid is distributed between and in contact with thesheets from a mass which remains substantially stationary with respectto the pressure-applying members in the convergent portion of thepassage therebetween. Means are provided for preventing escape of theprocessing liquid from between the lateral edges of the sheets as thesheets are advanced through the gap between the pressure-applyingmembers, comprising (see FIG. 12) a pair of pins 94 mounted on base 86near the ends of support member 84 and pressure member 90 and having endsections projecting through openings 96 in pressure plate 94) adjacentthe lip 83 closest guide roll 82. The end sections of pins 94 arepreferably spherical and extend into the convergent passage betweenpressure member 90 and pressure roll 76 in advance of the narrowestportion of the gap therebetween into position for engaging the lateralmarginal portions of second sheet 60 and deforming portions of thesecond sheet toward the image-recording sheet. Pins 94 press the twosheets together adjacent their margins slightly in advance of thelocation (a line) at which pressure is exerted on the sheets by pressureroll 76 and pressur member 90 to distribute the processing liquid andthereby effectively prevent lateral spread of the mass of liquid to andbeyond the lateral edges of the sheets.

The quantity of the processing liquid supplied to the sheets forprocessing each exposed area of the imagerecording sheet is usually suchthat a quantity of the liquid remains between the sheets in a masslocated within the convergent passage between the pressure-applyingmembers after the liquid has been distributed in contact with the areato be treated. The apparatus includes means for preventing this liquidfrom being further distributed into contact with the next successiveexposed area of the image-recording sheet. These means include means forspacing pressure plate 9% apart from pressure roll 76 during theterminal portion of movement of the sheets between the plate and roll inorder to terminate further distribution of the liquid and collect andretain it between the sheets. These means include a shaft 98 mounted forrotation at its ends on side walls 34 above base 86. A pair ofeccentrics 1011 are keyed to the shaft and mounted for rotation in apair of upstanding supports 1112 mounted on the ends of support member84 so that rotation of shaft 98 is effective to move support member 84toward and away from pressure roll 76. Support member 84 is mounted onshaft 98 and is constrained for linear movement toward and away fromroll 76 by studs 104 mounted on side walls 34 and engaged in channels106 in the ends of base 86. Shaft 98 is preferably biased by a springinto the operative position shown in FIG. 2 to retain support member 84in the operative or pressure-applying position shown in FIGS. 2, 9 and12 and means are provided for rotating shaft 98 from the operativeposition to displace support member 84 and pressure plate 90 away frompressure roll 76 to an inoperative or liquid-collecting position shownin FIG. 10. In the form shown, both the resilient means and the meansfor rotating shaft 98 comprise a rotary solenoid It)? provided as acomponent of the permanent assemblage mounted on lower wall 18 betweenpanel 83 and take-up spool 78 and coupled with shaft 98 through asuitable transmission such as shaft and bevel gears 112. One of bevelgears 112 is mounted on a vertical shaft 110 extending upwardly from thelower housing section into the upper portion of the housing intoposition to mesh with a bevel gear 112 on shaft 98 when the upperhousing section is in its closed or operative position. The transmissionis designed to fit between side walls 22 and 48 and is mounted on sidewall 22 with side wall 48 being provided with a notch 114 through whicha component (shaft) of the transmission extends into the space betweenthe side walls.

The image-recording and second sheets are advanced between thepressure-applying members and the sandwich thus formed is advanced intothe space between upper wall 26 and door 32 and transverse member 50 byrotation of roll 78 until a portion of the sandwich including theexposed area of the image-recording sheet is located underlying opening40. The sheets comprising the sandwich are permitted to remain insuperposition for a predetermined processing period during which apositive transfer image is formed in the area of the im-age-receivingsheet superpositioned with the exposed area of the image-recordingsheet. Door 42 is then opened and the copy comprising the aforesaid areaof the image-receiving sheet is separated from the image-recordingsheet. To facilitate separation of the copy, the image-recording sheetis provided with a succession of tear strips such as described in detailin the copending US. patent application of Donald D. Casavant et al.Serial No. 246,471, filed December 21, 1962. These tear strips arelocated adjacent the leading edges of each area of the imagereceivingsheet in which a positive transfer image is formed and facilitatetearing of the image-receiving sheet transversely at the leading edgesof the print areas. As a portion of the image-receiving sheet is beingtorn transversely adjacent the leading edges of a copy, the portion ofthe sheet is also stripped from the image-recording sheet and,thereafter, torn at its trailing edge against a knife 116 providedbetween upper wall 26 and transverse member 50 adjacent the end ofopening 40 closest the pressure-applying members.

As previously noted the processing liquid for each exposed area of theimage-recording sheet is supplied in an elongated tubular container verymuch like a drinking straw and sealed at its ends with one (trailing)end seal designed to become unsealed to provide a mouth through whichthe liquid is discharged in response to the progressive application ofcompressive pressure to the container commencing in the region of itsother (leading) end. When it is desired to process an exposed area ofthe image-recording sheet, a container is introduced, trailing endfirst, into the housing through an openning in side wall 20 until thecontainer is located adjacent and above a portion of the image-recordingsheet intermediate guide roll 72 and pressure roll 76. The container isthen withdrawn through the same opening across the imagereco-rding sheetwhile compressive pressure is applied to the container to eject itsliquid contents through a mouth at the trailing end. The apparatusincludes a device, designated 118 in FIG. 13, for compressing thecontainer to eject its liquid contents and for preventing admission oflight into the housing through the opening through which the containeris introduced and withdrawn. Device 118 is mounted on side wall 20 andincludes a frame having a base 120 at which the device is mounted onside Wall 20, base 120 being provided with an opening 122 aligned withthe opening (not shown) in side wall 20 through which the containers areintroduced and withdrawn. Secured to and extending inwardly from base120 are a pair of lateral walls 124 spaced from one another by adistance slightly greater than the outer diameter of a container and anupper wall 126 and lower wall 128 joined to the base and to the lateralwalls to form a tube having a generally rectangular section. A pressuremember 130 is piv-otally mounted on and between lateral walls 124adjacent upper wall 126 in closing relation to the tube formed by thelateral upper and lower walls. Pressure member 130 is pivotable so thatthe portion thereof closest lower wall 128 is movable between a positionadjacent the wall inwardly to a position shown in FIG. 13 in response toengagement with a container introduced into the housing through opening122. A spring 132 secured between base 120 and pressure member 130 isprovided for urging the pressure member into the closed position shownat which light is prevented from entering the housing through opening122. The construction of pressure member 138 is such that, duringwithdrawal movement of the straw, the pressure member tends to pivot (ina clockwise direction), under the bias of spring 132 and as a result offrictional engagement with the straw, into the closed position engagingand pressing the straw against lower wall 128.

Means are provided for superposing an original document with theimage-recording sheet and moving the two sheets in superposition closelyadjacent and relative to electroluminescent panel 66 and then separatingthe original from the image-recording sheet and feeding it from theapparatus. These means comprise a support roll 134 mounted for rotationon side walls 20 and 22 with its periphery closely adjacent the concavesurface of panel 66 and tangent with the surfaces of guide rolls 72 and74 so that the image-recording sheet is engaged between support roll 134and guide rolls 72 and 74. A portion of the image-recording sheetbetween the guide rolls is supported for exposure closely adjacent theconcave side of panel 66. Support roll 134 is preferably formed of amaterial such -as rubber having a relatively high co-t efiicient offriction so that movement of the imagerecording sheet in engagement withsupport roll 134 causes the support roll to be rotated in acounterclockwise direction.

As a means for feeding original documents into the housing intosuperposition with the image-recording sheet between guide roll 74 andsupport roll 134 and from superposition with the image-recording sheetbetween guide roll 72 and support roll 134 and from the housing, thereare provided an enlarged cylindrical feed roll 136 mounted for rotationon side walls 20 and 22 within the opening between lower wall 18 andtransverse member 24 with its axis substantially parallel with the axisof support roll 134 and with its periphery closely adjacent a peripheryof the support roll. Guide plates 138 and 140 mounted, respectively,below and above feed roll 136 are provided for supporting originaldocuments against the feed roll and guiding the originals int-o and fromthe housing in response to rotation of feed roll 136. Guide plate 138 ismounted at its outer edge on lower wall 18 and extends inwardly towardthe bite of guide roll 74 and support roll 134 and is biased upwardlyagainst the feed roll. Plate 138 is formed of an opaque sheet materialsuch as metal so that it functions to prevent admission of light intothe housing beneath feed roll 136. Guide plate 140 includes an outeredge portion engaged for limited movement in a recess 144 in transversemember 24 and extends inwardly and upwardly around and in engag mentwith the periphery of roll 136 and thence downwardly toward the bite ofguide roll 74 and support roll 134 adjacent the guide roll. The endportions of guide plate 140 are loosely engaged in recesses in sidewalls 20 and 22 so that the guide plate is supported by feed roll 136and functions to prevent admission of light into the housing above thefeed roll.

A copy of an original document is produced by introducing the originalinto the housing between feed roll 136 and guide plate 138 and thenrotating the feed roll to advance the document into superposition withthe image-recording sheet between the sheet and support roll 134 at thebite of the support roll and guide roll 74. Feed roll 136 is rotated bysheaves 146 and 148 provided on, respectively, support roll 134 and feedroll 136 and coupled by a conventional O-ring 150 so that rotation ofsupport roll 134 by frictional engagement with recording sheet 58 iseffective to rotate feed roll 136 in the same direction to feed theleading edges of the original into engagement with and between theimage-recording sheet and support roll. As the leading edge of theoriginal emerges from between the image-recording sheet and support roll134 at the bite of the support roll and guide roll 72, it is advancedinto engagement with the feed roll 136 between the feed roll and guideplate 140 and advanced by the feed roll from the apparatus. A supportplate 152 is provided mounted at its ends on and between side walls 20and 22 adjacent transverse member 24 and guide plate 140 for supportingthe leading edge portion of the original as it emerges from the housingbetween the guide plate and feed roll to insure that the leading end ofthe original is not carried around the feed roll and back into thehousing between the feed roll and guide plate 138.

The apparatus includes drive means in the form of a constant speedelectric motor 154 for rotating spool 78 to advance the sheets throughthe apparatus. Spool 78 is driven through a transmission including aspur gear 156 located between side walls 48 and 22 and adapted to meshwith a spur gear 158 coupled with spool 78 and comprising a component ofthe expendable assemblage. Spool 78 is rotated to coil the processedimage-recording sheet and sections of the image-receiving sheet locatedintermediate copies and including any liquid collected at the trailingend of each copy. Motor 154 is designed to operate at a constant speedso that the rate of advancement of the image-recording sheet pastelectroluminescent panel 66 during exposure to light from the panel isdependent upon the diameter of the coil on spool 78 during the exposure.This diameter, of course, increases as successive copies are made sothat the rate of movement of the sheets increases with successive copiesand would result in a shorter exposure for successive copies if thebrightness of the light source were maintained constant. In order toprovide for uniform exposure for successive copies, the apparatusincludes means for varying the light from the sources allowed to exposethe image-recording sheet in direct proportion to the diameter of thecoil of sheet material on spool 78.

The apparatus includes means for determining the diameter of the coil onspool 78 and operating the brightness control, e.g., variable resistor,so as to maintain constant the exposure given successive areas of theimagerecording sheets. The diameter of the coil on spool 78 isdetermined by measuring the diameter of the coil of image-receivingsheet 60 on spool 64, since the diameters of the two coils bear a fixedinverse relation. The means for determining the diameter of the coil onspool 78 by sensing the diameter of the coil on spool 64 performs theadditional function of indicating to the user of the apparatus theamount of unused materials remaining in the apparatus at any time.

The diameter of the coil of spool 64 is sensed by a device 160, shown indetail in FIGS. 5 and 6, mounted on upper wall 32 and including achannel-shaped frame 162 having a base 164 at which the frame is mountedon upper wall 32 and two dependent side walls 166 having parallel slots168 including portions extending substantially parallel with base 164and curved portions extending downwardly toward the lower section of thehousing. The device includes an elongated rod 170 engaged in the curvedportions of the slots for engaging the coil of sheet 60 on spool 64. Rod170 is movable downwardly (and to the right, viewing FIG. 5) in thecurved portions of the slots and is coupled with a second shaft 172 by3,2s3,ese

a plate 174 secured to the lower side of rod 170, shaft 172 beingengaged for linear movement in the straight or horizontal portions ofslots 168. Rod 170 and shaft 172 are biased by a spring 176 toward theright urging rod 170 toward the lower, right end of the curved portionsof slots 168, that is downwardly toward spool 64 into engagement withsheet 60 coiled on the spool. By virtue of this construction thelocation of shaft 172 is a function of the diameter of the coil of sheet61), and to provide an indication to the operator of the amount of sheetmaterial remaining in the apparatus, shaft 172 is coupled with anindicator 178, visible through a window 180 in upper wall 32, by aconnecting rod 182 engaged in a channel-shaped recess (not shown) in theinside of wall 32.

Device 160 is constructed so that rod 178 is relatively free to movedownwardly (to the right) within slots 168 toward spool 64 under thebias of spring 176 as the diameter of the coil of sheet 60 on spool 64decreases; however, the construction is such that an upward pressure onrod 170 will tend to bend the rod rather than move it within slots 168.Thus, when the materials with which the apparatus is loaded areexhausted, rod 171) will be located at the extreme lower ends of slots168 and in this position is subject to being bent upon closure of thehousing after loading of a new expendable assemblage including full coilof sheet 60 when the upper housing section is moved into its closedposition. Accordingly, means are provided for returning rod 170 to aninitial position shown in FIG. at which the rod is engaged at thebeginning, i.e., uppermost portions, of the curved portions of slots168, and shaft 172 to its initial position at the extreme left end ofthe straight portions of the slots; and retaining the rod and shaft intheir initial positions against the bias "of spring 176 until the upperhousing section is again pivoted into a closed position. -Theselast-mentioned means comprise a lever 184 mounted on the outer end of ashaft 186 journalled in side wall 34 and extending through the side wallto the inside of the housing where the shaft is connected with a lever188 in the form of a sector. Shaft 172 is coupled with lever 188 by aflexible connecting member such as a wire 190 extending around a spindle192 and levers 184 and 188 are biased, in a counterclockwise directionviewing FIG, 5, by a torsion spring 184 which is stronge than spring 176and functions to return rod 170 and shaft 172 to the initial positionsshown in which lever 184 extends downwardly beyond the lower edge ofside wall 34. Lever 184 is mounted in a recess in the side wall so thatwhen the upper housing section is closed, the lever is engaged by sidewall 20 of the lower housing section pivoting the lever in a clockwisedirection against the bias of torsion spring 194 to the position shownin broken lines in FIG. 5, thereby leaving rod 176 and shaft 172 free tomove under the bias of spring 176. In an alternative arrangement, amember may be provided on lower side wall 20 for engaging and pivotinglever 184 during closure movement of the upper housing section.

A latch is provided for retaining rod 178 and shaft 172 in their initialpositions until the upper housing section has been pivoted substantiallyall the way into its closed or operative position whereupon the latch isreleased to allow rod 170 to move into engagement with the coil ofsecond sheet 60 on spool 64. This latch comprises a latch plate 196pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on and between side wall 166beneath connecting plate 174. One end section, designated 198, of latchplate 196 is turned upwardly to engage rod 170 when the rod is in itsinitial position and a counterweight 200 is mounted on the other endsection of latch plate 196 for pivoting the latch plate in acounterclockwise direction viewing FIG. 6 to urge end section 198upwardly into engagement with rod 178. Counterweight 200 is positionedso as to engage the coil of sheet 60 on spool 64 when the upper housingsection is pivoted into closed position, thereby pivoting latch 10 plate196 from engagement with rod allowing the rod to move into engagementwith sheet 60. When end section 198 of latch plate 1% is not engagedwith rod 170, it may bear against the underside of plate 174.

The brightness of the electroluminescent panel is varied by a rheostat262 coupled with a manually engageable knob 204 mounted on upper wall32. The knob permits the operator to vary the exposure to conform to therequirements of various original documents in order to ob tain a copy ofa desired character (e.g., dark or light). The rheostat may be coupleddirectly with connecting rod 182 so that it is varied automatically toproduce uni form exposures for successive copies or, in an alternativeembodiment, adjustment of the rheostat to provide for uniform exposuresis a manual operation. This latter embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 inwhich connecting rod 182 is provided with indicator 178. A plate 206 isslidably mounted on the inside of wall 32 underlying window and isprovided with indicia visible through the window and indicating varioussettings of the rheostat which is coupled to plate 206 through a gear208 and rack 210. The rheostat is set to provide a particular exposuredesignated by one of the indicia by turning knob 204 to bring theparticular indicia into alignment with indicator 178. In this embodimentthe operator manually resets the indicia representing the desiredexposure in alignment with indicator 178 for successive exposures as theindicator moves from one side of window 180 to the other as thematerials embodied in the apparatus are expended and the diameter of thecoil on spool '78 increases.

Another embodiment of the control system is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8in which the operator selects the desired exposure by aligning one ofthe indicia on plate 206 with indicator 1'78 and then couples plate 286and hence the rheostat, with connecting rod 182 so that movement of theconnecting rod automatically adjusts the rheostat to give the selectedexposure for successive copies. In this embodiment plate 206 is mountedfor limited movement toward and away from wall 32 on a support member212. Plate 206 is provided with a serrated section 216 adapted to engagea similarly serrated member 218 coupled with or comprising a portion ofindicator 1'78 and/or connecting rod 182. Serrations on section 216 andmember 218 engage one another and retain the connecting rod at plate 286in fixed relation. A push button 220 is provided in wall 32 fordisplacing plate 206 downwardly to disengage the serrations and permitthe rheostat to be adjusted without moving indicia 178 to bring any oneof the desired indicia into alignment with the indicator. When pressureon the button is released, the serrations then move into engagementlocking the control mechanism at the particular setting so thatthereafter succeeding exposures will be at that setting and will remainuniform.

In accordance with the invention, the apparatus includes means forautomatically controlling the advancement of the sheets, i.e., startingand stopping the movement of the sheets, and means for energizingsolenoid 108 at the proper instant in order to collect and retain anyexcess processing liquid. These control means, elements of which areenclosed in a housing 222 mounted on lower wall 18, include a rectifier224 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11 for supplying power to operate thesolenoid and a pair of microswitches 226 and 228 shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and10 mounted on support member 84. Microswitch 226 is connected in serieswith the alternating current power supply to control the flow of currentto all of the electrical component of the apparatus including the lightsource 66, motor 154 and solenoid 108, and microswitch 228 is connectedin series with rectifier 224 for controlling the operation of solenoid108. Switch 226 is biased into an open position and includes an L-shapedactuating lever 230 including a long arm pivotally mounted intermediateits ends and a short arm extending through an opening 232 in pressureplate 90 into the convergent portion of the passage between the pressureplate and pressure roll 176 ahead of the pressure roll. The free end ofthe short arm of actuating lever 230 is adapted to ride on the surfaceof second sheet 60 and to be supported thereby retaining switch 226closed. Sheet 60 is provided with a succession of apertures 234 eachlocated intermediate successive image-receiving areas of the sheet anddisposed so as to move into alignment with the short arm of lever 230 sothat the arm is dropped through the apertures allowing switch 226 toopen thereby dis-continuing the flow of current to the entire apparatusand terminating a processing cycle.

At the commencement of a processing cycle the short arm of actuatinglever 230 extends into an aperture 234 and switch 226 is open so thatsolenoid 108 is not energized and pressure plate 90 is in its down oroperative position in juxtaposition with pressure roll 76. To initiate aprocessing cycle, lever 230 is pivoted in a counterclockwise directionto momentarily close switch 226 energizing motor 154 to initiate theadvancement of the sheets through the apparatus thereby moving aperture234 out of alignment with the short arm of lever 230. The means formomentarily closing switch 226 includes a push button 236 projectingfrom the housing through upper wall 32 where the push button is manuallyengageable and a connecting rod 238 for engaging the end of lever 230opposite the short arm and movable into the position shown in FIG. forpivoting the lever to close switch 226. As soon as aperture 234 movesout of alignment with the short arm of lever 230, the push button may bereleased because sheet 60 will function to support the lever in thepivoted position in which switch 226 is closed.

Microswitch 228 controls the operation of solenoid 108 and includes anL-shaped actuating lever 240 pivotal- 1y mounted about the same centeras lever 230 and including a short arm adapted to ride on the surface ofthe portion of sheet 60 intermediate guide roll 82 and one of lips 88 ofsupport member 84. Lever 240 is biased in a counterclockwise directionand switch 228 is biased into its closed position and, as shown in FIG.9, is retained in its opened position by engagement of sheet 60 'withlever 240. Just before the end of a processing cycle an aperture 234 insheet 60 moves into alignment with the short arm of lever 240 whichenters the aperture allowing the lever to pivot in a counterclockwisedirection closing switch 228 and actuating the solenoid to move supportmember 84 upwardly to its inoperative position (shown in FIG. 10) inorder to collect and retain any processing liquid located between thesheet at the bite of roll 76 and pressure plate 90. As long as thesolenoid is energized and support member 84 is in its up position,switch 228 remains closed (as shown in FIG. 10) and switch 226 is heldclosed by sheet 60 due to the tension thereon until the opening 234which just actuated switch. 228 moves into alignment with the short armof actuating lever 230 allowing switch 226 to open, stopping motor 154and deenergizing solenoid 108 so that the support member returns to itsinitial operative position.

In the operation of the apparatus upper housing section 14 is pivoted toan open position and an expendable assemblage 12 including sheets 58 and60 coupled near pressure roll 76 to a leader 80 threaded acrosstransverse member 50 and connected to spool 78, is loaded into the lowersection of the housing into the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and theupper section of the housing is then pivoted into closed position. Whenpower is supplied to the apparatus motor 154 is automatically actuatedto drive spool 78 and advance the sheets through the apparatus until anopening in sheet 60 becomes aligned with the short arm of lever 230opening switch 226 terminating the operation of motor 154. At this pointthe apparatus is in condition to commence an exposure and processingcycle to produce a copy of an original document. The leading edge of anoriginal is introduced into the apparatus between guide plate 138 andfeed roll 136 and, before commencement of the cycle, a container ofprocessing liquid is introduced into the housing through opening 122 indevice 118 and is withdrawn in the opposite direction to deposit thefluid contents of the container onto sheet 58 adjacent guide roll 72.

Push button 236 is then depressed momentarily to close switch 226 andcommence the movement of the sheets through the apparatus. The leadingedge of the original, designated 242, is advanced by feed roll 136 intoengagement with sheet 58 and support roll 134 and advanced together withthe photosensitive sheet past electroluminescent panel 66 and intoengagement with feed roll 136 between the latter and guide plate 140 andfrom the housing. Closing of switch 226 also energizes theelectroluminescent panel, or other light source to expose theimage-recording sheet in superposition with the original. The exposedportion of the image-recording sheet is advanced into superposition withan image-receiving area of image-receiving sheet 60 between pressureroll 76 and pressure plate which cooperate to distribute the processingliquid between the two sheets laminating them together to form asandwich which is advanced into the chamber underlying door 42 betweenwall 26 and transverse member 50. Door 42 is then opened and the sectionof the image-recording sheet containing the processed copy is torn atits leading edge, separated from the imagerecording sheet and then tornat its trailing edge against knife 116. During the terminal portion ofmovement of the sheets, processing liquid is collected between portionsof the sheets intermediate the exposed and processed areas of the twosheets and the next successive areas to be exposed and processed. Theapparatus then automatically shuts itself off at the end of theoperating cycle in readiness for the next operating cycle.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is: 1. A photographic apparatus for exposing successiveareas of a photographic image-recording sheet and treating said areaswith a processing liquid distributed between said areas and areas of asecond sheet superposed therewith, in combination:

first and second pressure-applying members; means mounting said firstpressure-applying member in juxtaposition with said secondpressure-applying member and for movement toward and away from saidsecond pressure-applying member, said pressurea-pplying memberscooperating for supenposing said sheets and distributing said liquidtherebetween during movement of said sheets between said members;

take-up means for moving said sheets through said apparatus between saidmembers;

drive means for moving said first pressure-applying member toward andaway from said second pressureapplying member;

first sensing means mounted on said first pressureapplying member andresponsive to engagement with a portion of one of said sheets at alocation intermediate said pre-ssure-applying members to discontinue theoperation of said take-up means and there by arrest the movement of saidsheets through said apparatus;

second sensing means mounted on said first pressureapplying member inadvance of said pressure-applying members adjacent the path of movementof said one of said sheets between said members for engaging saidportion of said one sheet prior to engagement of said portion by saidfirst sensing means, said second sensing means being responsive toengagement with said portion for actuating said drive means to diplacesaid first pressure-applying mem- 13' ber apart from said secondpressure-applying member during the terminal portion of movement of saidsheets between said members;

said first sensing means being responsive to engagement with saidportion of said one sheet for causing said drive means to move saidfirst pressure-applying member toward said second pressure-applyingmember.

2. In photographic apparatus for exposing successive areas of aphotographic image-recording sheet and treating said areas with aprocessing liquid distribute-d between said areas and areas of .a secondsheet superposed therewith, in combination:

first and second pressure-applying members;

means mounting said first member in juxtaposition with said secondmember and for movement between a first position closely adjacent saidsecond member and a second position displaced from said second member,said pressure-applying members cooperating for superposing said sheetsand-distributing said liquid therebetween during movement of said sheetsbetween said members;

means for guiding one of said sheets along a predetermined path intosuperposition with the other of said sheets between saidpressure-applying members; take-up means for moving said sheets throughsaid apparatus between said pressure-applying members; drive means formoving said first pressure-applying member between said first and secondpositions; control means including a first sensing element mounted onsaid first pressure-applying member between said pressure-applyingmembers for movement from a first position in which said control meansmaintain said take-up means operative to move said sheets, toward saidsecond member to a second position at which said control meansdiscontinue the operation of said take-up means and cause said drivemeans to move said first pressure-applying member from said second tosaid first position;

said first sensing element being biased into said second positionthereof, being so located as to be retained in said first positonthereof by engagement with said one sheet during movement of said onesheet between said members and being movable to said second positionthrough an opening in said one sheet upon movement of said opening intoalignement with said first sensing element;

said control means including a second sensing element mounted on saidfirst pressure-applying member adjacent said path of movement of saidone sheet for movement between a first posit-ion in which said controlmeans render said drive means operative to retain said firstpressure-applying member in said first position and toward said onesheet to a second position in which said control means render said drivemeans operative to move said first pressure-applying member to saidsecond postion;

said second sensing element being biased toward said sheet into saidsecond position and being so located as to be retained in said firstposition by engagement with said sheet when said first member is in saidfirst position, and being movable through said opening in said one sheetinto said second position;

3. In photographic apparatus for exposing successive areas of aphotographic image-recording sheet and treating said areas with aprocessing liquid distributed between said areas and areas of .a secondsheet superposed therewith, in combination:

first and second pressure-applying members;

first means mounting said first member in juxtaposition with said secondmember and for movement between an operative position adjacent saidsecond member at which said members cooperate to apply compressivepressure to said sheets to distribute said 14 liquid therebetwcen duringmovement of said sheets between said members, and a retracted positionapart from said second member at which pressure on said sheets isrelieved;

take-up means for moving said sheets through said apparatus between saidpressure-applying members;

control means for operating said first means to move said firt memberbetween said operative and retracted positions and initiating andterminating the operation of said take-up means;

said control means including a first element mounted on said firstpressure-applying member in position to engage one of said sheetsbetween said pressureapplying members;

said first element being mounted for movement relative to said firstmember and said one sheet toward and away from said second memberbetween a first position in which said control means maintain saidtake-up member operative to move said sheets and a second position inwhich said control means terminate the operation of said take-up meansand operate said first means to return said first pressureapplyingmember from said displaced to said operative position;

said first element being biased into said second position and beingmounted for engaging said one sheet so as to be retained thereby in saidfirst position during movement of said one sheet until an opening insaid one sheet becomes aligned with said first element allowing saidfirst element to move into said second position thereof;

said control means including a second element mounted on said firstmember in position to engage said one sheet in advance of said firstelement, said second element being mounted for movement relative to saidone sheet and said first member in the same general direction as saidfirst member between a first position at which said control meansoperate said first means to locate said first member in said operativeposition and a second position at which said control means operate saidfirst means to move said first member to said retracted position, saidsecond element being biased toward said one sheet into said secondposition thereof and being positioned to be retained in said firstposition by engagement with said one sheet when said first member is insaid operative position until said opening in said one sheet moves intoalignment with said second element allowing said second element to movethrough said opening into said second position.

4. A photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which said first means andsaid take-up means include electrically operated drive means and saidcontrol means comprise a first switch operated by said first element anda second switch operated by said second element, said second switchcontrols the flow of current to said first means and said first switchcontrols the flow of current to said second switch and said take-upmeans.

5. The photographic apparatus of claim 4 in which said take-up meansinclude an electric motor electrically connected in series with saidfirst switch and in parallel with said second switch and said firstmeans includes means for biasing said first member into said operativeposition and electromagnetic means coupled in series with said first andsecond switches for moving said first member into said retractedposition.

6. The photographic apparatus of claim 4 in which manually operablemeans are provided for closing said switch at least momentarily toinitiate an operating cycle of said apparatus.

7. The photographic apparatus of claim 6 in which said manually operablemeans move said first element from said second to said first positionthereof.

8. The photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which said first meansinclude means for biasing said first mem- 15 her into said operativeposition and electromagnetic means for moving said first member intosaid retracted position and said control means include a first switchoperated by said first element and a second switch operated 'by saidsecond element and said switches are connected in series with saidelectromagnetic means for controlling the operation thereof.

9. The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which said electromagneticmeans comprise a solenoid.

10. In photo-graphic apparatus for exposing successive areas of aphotographic image-recording sheet and treating said areas with .aprocessing liquid distributed between said areas and areas of a secondsheet superposed therewith, in combination:

a first pressure-applying member;

a second pressure-applying member mounted in juxtaposition with saidfirst pressure-applying member for movement between a first positionclosely adjacent said first member at which said members cooperate toapply compressive pressure to said sheets to distribute said liquidtherebetween during movement of said sheets between said members and asecond position apart from said first member at which pressure upon saidsheets is relieved;

take-up means including an electric motor for moving said sheets throughsaid apparatus between said pressure-applying members;

resilient means for biasing said second member into said first position;

electromagnetic means for moving said second member from said first tosaid second position;

a first switch connected in series with said motor and including a firstactuating element mounted on said second member for contacting one ofsaid sheets between said pressure-applying member so that said firstswitch is held closed by said one sheet until an opening therein becomesaligned with said actuating element allowing said element to move intosaid opening and open said switch; and

p a second switch connected in series with said electromagnetic meansand said first switch and in parallel with said motor and including [asecond actuating element mounted on said second pressure-applying memberfor contacting said one sheet ahead of said first actuating element sothat said second switch is held open by said one sheet when said secondmember is in said first position until said opening becomes aligned withsaid second element allowing said element to move into said opening andclose said second switch.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,147,684 9/1964Gold -75 JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner.

1. A PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING SUCCESSIVE AREAS OF APHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE-RECORDING SHEET AND TREATING SAID AREAS WITH APROCESSING LIQUID DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN SAID AREAS AND AREAS OF A SECONDSHEET SUPERPOSED THEREWITH, IN COMBINATION: FIRST AND SECONDPRESSURE-APPLING MEMBERS; MEANS MOUNTING SAID FIRST PRESSURE-APPLYINGMEMBER IN JUXTAPOSITION WITH SAID SECOND PRESSURE-APPLYING MEMBER ANDFOR MOVEMENT TOWARD PRESSURE- APPLYING SAID MEMBER PRESSURE-APPLYINGMEMBER, SAID PRESSUREAPPLYING MEMBERS COOPERATING FOR SUPERPOSING SAIDSHEETS AND DISTRIBUTING SAID LIQUID THEREBETWEEN DURING MOVEMENT OF SAIDSHEETS BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS; TAKE-UP MEANS FOR MOVING SAID SHEETSTHROUGH SAID APPARATUS BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS; DRIVE MEANS FOR MOVING SAIDFIRST PRESSURE-APPLYING MEMBER TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID SECONDPRESSUREAPPLYING MEMBER; FIRST SENSING MANS MOUNTED ON SAID FIRSTPRESSUREAPPLYING MEMBER AND RESPONSIVE TO ENGAGEMENT WITH A PORTION OFONE OF SAID SHEETS AT A LOCATION INTERMEDIATE SAID PRESSURE-APPLYINGMEMBERS TO DISCONTINUE THE OPERATION OF SAID TAKE-UP MEANS AND THEREBYARREST THE MOVEMENT OF SAID SHEETS THROUGH SAID APPARATUS; SECONDSENSING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FIRST PRESSUREAPPLYING MEMBER IN ADVANCEOF SAID PRESSURE-APPLYING MEMBER ADJACENT THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAIDONE OF SAID SHEETS BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS FOR ENGAGING SAID PORTION OFSAID ONE SHEET PRIOR TO ENGAGEMENT OF SAID PROTION BY SAID FIRST SENSINGMEANS, SAID SECOND SENSING MEANS BEING RESPONSIVE TO ENGAGEMENT WITHSAID PORTION BEING RESPONSIVE TO ENMEANS TO DISPLACE SAID FIRSTPRESSURE-APPLYING MEMNS BER APART FROM SAID SECOND PRESSURE-APPLYINGMEMBER DURING THE TERMINAL PORTION OF MOVEMENT OF SAID SHEETS BETWEENSAID MEMBERS; SAID FIRST SENSING MEANS BEING RESPONSIVE TO ENGAGEMENTWITH SAID PORTION OF SAID ONE SHEET FOR CAUSING SAID DRIVE MEANS TO MOVESAID FIRST PRESSURE-APPLYING MEMBER TOWARD SAID SECOND PRESSURE-APPLYINGMEMBER.